CARPET MOTH

any of several species of small, delicate moths belonging to the insect family Geometridae (order Lepidoptera). Together with the so-called pugs and waves, the carpet moths number about 12,000 species of Geometridae, occurring worldwide. Some carpet moths are active by night and some by day. They settle with their broad, patterned wings (span 24 cm) outstretched and flattened against the resting surface. The moths develop from twiglike caterpillars or loopers. Certain species damage foliage; others are crop pests.